SAHCO boost NDLEA fight against drugs with donation of new hospital equipment
Representative of the Managing Director/CEO of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, Executive Director, Cargo Services (right) Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, handling over the hospital equipment donated by SAHCO to the Commander, NDLEA Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Usman Wadar.
The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has boosted the fight against drug trafficking especially at the country’s international airports by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the donation of vital hospital testing equipment to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) command in Lagos.
The company said the rising menace and desperations by travellers to smuggle hard drugs out of the country is disturbing and called for concerted efforts to support the NDLEA efforts in combating drug the trend.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, commended the NDLEA for its unwavering commitment to tackling drug-related offences, particularly at the cargo warehouse managed by SAHCO.
Speaking at the presentation of the equipment at the NDLEA office at the cargo terminal in Lagos, Adenike, who was represented by the Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, Executive Director, Cargo Services reiterated SAHCO’s dedication to supporting the agency’s mandate and expressed the company’s willingness to collaborate further in ensuring Nigeria’s air cargo sector remains free from drug-related activities.
“We understand the menace of drugs and the challenges that come with it. The impact on society, especially on our youths, cannot be overemphasised. We have seen the proactive steps taken by the NDLEA, including increasing its personnel at our cargo warehouses to ensure they remain drug-free.” Ukwunna stated.
She further noted that the donation was a token of SAHCO’s support towards enhancing the agency’s operations.
“The Managing Director, being both a mother and a concerned citizen, has personally visited the NDLEA and provided feedback on the necessary steps we must take to bolster the agency’s work and ensure its vision continues to thrive. As a company, we stand firmly behind you. The work you do is commendable, and this donation is just a small way of showing our support,” she added.
Responding, Usman Ali Wadar, Commander of the NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command described the gesture as a right step that will motivate the agency personnel and described the support as significant in enhancing the agency’s healthcare services for both its personnel and drug suspects in custody.
He said “We have received tremendous support from various organisations, particularly SAHCO. The idea of establishing a clinic within our command stemmed from the need to provide medical care for drug suspects under observation, especially those at risk of losing their lives. This facility is not just for our officers and detained suspects; it is also accessible to personnel from other organisations within the command.”
He highlighted the alarming rate of drug abuse in Nigeria, stating, “In 2018, over 14 million Nigerians tested positive for drug use. When I assumed office, I made it clear to my team that we must do everything possible to curb this menace. Since 2022, we have significantly reduced the volume of drug seizures at Lagos airport, bringing it down from 23 tonnes to seven tonnes.”
Wadar further emphasised the importance of the clinic, noting that some suspects experience severe medical conditions due to drug ingestion.
“The first suspect arrested under my watch required an urgent medical test, which revealed dangerously high blood sugar levels. Immediate medical intervention was necessary to stabilise him and ensure he received proper nutrition while in custody,” he recounted.
He assured that the donated equipment would be put to optimal use, extending gratitude to SAHCO’s leadership and the team responsible for the donation.
The clinic equipment donated by SAHCO includes: Automated haematology analyser, Incubator, Centrifuge machine, Weighing scale, Poison box, Sphygmomanometer, Liquid profile meter and Ambu bags.
The initiative underscores SAHCO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its continuous support for agencies working to maintain security and public safety in Nigeria.
